The Most Essential Skills Every Worthy Wingman Must Possess

The "wingman" is not an easy gig. There are many who believe he's simply the guy whose buddy is such a lady-killer that the woman he's pursuing will basically force her bestie into his sidekick's waiting arms just for a few moments alone with Romeo. But, no. It's not that easy. Here are the skills and essentials any good wingman should have. Photo: Getty Images/DGLimages

1. The Gift of Gab: In many instances the wingman has to have even more game than his buddy. After all, he's got the job of keeping the woman who considers herself to be her friend's keeper, overseer, rebound-watcher (you get the picture), etc. occupied. Think about it: Your friend has devised his plan and is putting it into action, and he only has those precious first few minutes to get into a groove. A protective (i.e. cockblocking) cohort needs to be equally dazzled by conversation, at least initially. Photo: Getty Images/andresr

2. Money: The wingman is sometimes the guy hanging around waiting on his buddy to approach a lady just so he can have a shot at one of her friends. As such, he's probably the one with a few less bucks (and considerably less self-esteem). But you have to have at least a few bucks for a few rounds. You can buy your boy at least 10 minutes by buying the friend of the woman he's talking to a drink and a shot. (Even if you have to borrow the dough; technically, you are being subcontracted.) Photo: Getty Images/izusek

3. Beer Goggles: I've no desire to be crass, but the fact is that many a wingman has found himself in "take one for the team" territory. In short, wingmen have bedded many women they are simply stunned to wake up to. So those beer goggles you've strapped on need to be so powerful they render a 4 an 8 and a half. Photo: Getty Images/Sergei Kozak

4. Dance Moves: The number one skill a wingman can possess is the ability to hit the dance floor and tear it up. Not even the most overprotective, if not possessive, female friend can resist a guy with killer moves showing her a good time on the dance floor. For real, the best of the best can get three dances out of an apprehensive bestie, easy. And I'm talking in a row. Photo: Getty Images/Patrik Giardino

5. Bar Game Skills: Whether it's darts, pool or even one of those fun trivia games mounted onto the bar itself, the upper echelon of wingmen know their way around whatever bar game is in the general vicinity. Yes, including karaoke. One friend of mine regaled the friend of a woman I chatted up one night by serenading her with The Rose by Bette Midler. I never closed that deal, but I still feel indebted to him. Photo: Getty Images/nd3000

6. A Shoulder/Ear: Yes, the wingman must endure epic sob stories, often relayed with quite a bit of slurring and possibly some tears. It just works out that way. Interestingly, it is often the woman being actively pursued who is out in the first place due to some recent drama, but the friend taking her out who winds up becoming a drunken hot mess. That's where you come in. And, for your friend, you just might have to listen. Photo: Getty Images/Sergei Kozak

7. Snark: In essence, the wingman has to replace the woman that has just been stolen right out from under the friend with whom she is out — if the wingman does not want to pursue the friend romantically anyway. Being ready to people watch and employ biting commentary on other barflies, lob an ice cube or two at a head and so on can be key. Don't forget: Your friend stole hers. You now have to play that role. Photo: Getty Images/monkeybusinessimages

8. Gag Reflex: Chances are you may be holding hair back at one point in the evening, listening to this person you've known for maybe 45 minutes puke her guts out or even watching her wretch out the window of a cab. You are a living, breathing barf bag. You are... the wingman. Photo: Getty Images/CamiloTorres

9. Low Standards: Again, I've no desire to come off crass, or even veer toward misogynistic, but the fact of the matter is that the best of all wingmen have very low, if any standards at all. Some wingmen will shout "you owe me" across a bar all night long, or text it until the sun comes up. Photo: Getty Images/eyetrigger Pty Ltd/Corbis/VCG

10. Tolerance: The toughest, yet most common, thing a wingman is often faced with is a ticked-off woman. She's ticked at your friend's audacity and she glares at you with that "I know exactly what you're up to" expression on her face, basically defying you to just try to entertain her for even a nanosecond. So do it. Winning over the best friend is many times more of a feather in the wingman's cap than hooking up with her. Photo: Getty Images/bowdenimages